| Bethlem Royal Hospital | |
 | |
| Continent | Europe |
| Location | London |
| Population | Doctors
Mental patients |
Bethlem Royal Hospital is a psychiatric hospital inLondon.
History[]
Background[]
The hospital was founded in 1247 during the reign of Henry III. Bethlem began to specialize in the care of the insane in 1377. Originally under the auspices of the Church, control of the hospital was transferred to the City of London in 1546. In 1634, management was given over to a resident physician, surgeon and an apothecary, rather than an old-style keeper-physician.
In 1706, Thomas Hamilton is imprisoned there by his father, Lord Alfred Hamilton, after he learns of Thomas’ affair with Lieutenant James McGraw. The story is spread that Thomas went mad after learning of his wife Miranda’s affair with James. Eventually, it was reported that Thomas committed suicide[1].
Season One[]
After discovering the painting hidden in Miranda Barlow’s bedroom, Richard Guthrie reveals she knows who she is. He says that he had extensive dealings with Thomas Hamilton’s father, and heard the tragedy that befell Thomas. He heard that Thomas’ wife had long been rumored to be the cheating sort. After learning of an affair she was having with his closest friend, Thomas went mad with grief, and even the asylum couldn’t save him[2].
Season Two[]
When Peter Ashe is revealed as the person who betrayed Thomas, Miranda and Flint to Lord Alfred all those years ago, he defends himself and says he visited Thomas in the hospital to confess his sins and Thomas forgave him for everything[3].
Season Four[]
It is revealed that Thomas did not commit suicide in the hospital as was originally thought, but was spirited away to an estate run by James Oglethorpe near Savannah, where Thomas would be interned humanely, but never heard from again[4].
Quotes[]
"They took him."
"Took him? Took him where?"
"Bethlem Royal Hospital. He is to be committed there, owing to his uncontrollable grief over having learned of my affair with you."
- Peter Ashe, James McGraw and Miranda Hamilton in XIII.
Trivia[]
- Bethlem Royal Hospital is a real life psychiatric hospital in London. It was founded in 1247 as a priory, and in 1330 it was reestablished as a hospital. At some point it became an insane asylum, but patients suffered under horrific conditions. The word "bedlam," meaning chaos and confusion, is derived from the hospital's nickname.